St. Kitts Coconut Shrimp
Crispy, golden-fried shrimp coated in a delightful mix of breadcrumbs and shredded coconut, offering a sweet and savory crunch with a tropical twist. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Large shrimp(peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Shredded coconut(sweetened or unsweetened)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese(grated)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and salt.
- 2
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- 3
Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- 4
Carefully fry the coated shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 5
Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired.
- 6
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a spicy aioli.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for crispy, not greasy, shrimp.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- ✓For a healthier option, these can be baked on a lightly oiled baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut for a less sweet flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Experiment with different seasonings like paprika or garlic powder.